Theodora (; Greek: Θεοδώρα; c. 490 – 28 June 548) was a Byzantine empress and wife of emperor Justinian. She was from humble origins and became empress when her husband became emperor in 527. She was one of his chief advisers. Theodora is a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church, commemorated on 28 June. == Early years == Theodora was of Greek descent, but much of her early life, including her place of birth, is unknown. Procopius's Secret History is the foremost source of her life before marriage, but is often regarded as slanderous. According to Michael the Syrian...

Valeria Messalina (Latin: [waˈlɛria mɛssaːˈliːna]; c. 17/20–48) was the third wife of Roman emperor Claudius. She was a paternal cousin of Emperor Nero, a second cousin of Emperor Caligula, and a great-grandniece of Emperor Augustus. A powerful and influential woman with a reputation for promiscuity, she allegedly conspired against her husband and was executed on the discovery of the plot. Her notorious reputation probably resulted from political bias, but works of art and literature have perpetuated it into modern times. == Early life == Messalina was the daughter of Domitia Lepida and her first...